Minnesota Bovine TB Requirements Take Effect June 15

Effective June 15, regulations go into effect in Minnesota for livestock herds in the proposed “Split State Zone,” an area within Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Beltrami and Marshall counties.

MBAH news release | Jun 16, 2008

Effective June 15, regulations go into effect in Minnesota for livestock herds in the proposed “Split State Zone,” an area within Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Beltrami and Marshall counties.

Herds in the zone will be required to have an annual whole-herd TB test and maintain up-to-date contact info with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH). Animals moving off the farm will need a whole-herd test, individual animal ID, an individual TB test within 60 days prior to movement, and a movement certificate. Cattle going directly to slaughter or to slaughter through a state or federally inspected market are exempt from the 60-day individual animal test.

In addition, all livestock producers in the proposed “Modified Accredited Zone” (also known as the Split State Zone) must provide MBAH with up-to-date contact and premises info by June 15 to comply with these regulations.

Once the regulations take effect, law enforcement can stop trucks and check that animal movement is in compliance with these regulations. Any person in violation is subject to criminal or civil penalties.

MBAH is applying to USDA for a Split State Status that, if approved, would enable much of the state to upgrade its TB status while the affected area of northwest Minnesota will remain at Modified Accredited. As part of the application, MBAH must develop a zone and demonstrate to USDA that there’s a plan in place to prevent the disease from spreading out of that zone.

Get more info at www.mntbfree.com[3] or calling the Bovine TB Hotline at 1-877-MN TB FREE (668-2373).